Slovakia ready to restart Soviet nuclear reactor

The Associated Press
Published: January 13, 2009

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia: Slovakia's prime minister said Tuesday his country was technically ready to restart an aging Soviet nuclear reactor to cope with a natural gas shortage, despite threats by the EU to take action if it does.
Slovakia is among the countries hardest hit by the cutoff of gas caused by a dispute between Ukraine and Russia.
Slovakia, which depends entirely on Russian gas, declared a state of emergency last week after Russia shut down its gas pipeline to Europe amid a dispute with neighboring Ukraine. Slovakia ordered 1,000 companies to reduce their consumption levels to ensure enough gas for households, hospital and schools.
On Tuesday, Primer Minister Robert Fico told reporters that authorities can ensure electricity deliveries for only few more days and will restart the reactor at the Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear plant when "a critical moment occurs."
The EU had demanded that Slovakia shut down the reactor in order to join the European Union in 2004. The reactor was shut down Dec. 31. Another nuclear reactor at the Jaslovske Bohunice V1 plant was shut down in 2006.

Fico said Tuesday that Slovak officials have been holding intensive talks with the European Commission "to minimize the damage" and would accept international monitors at the plant.
Later Tuesday, the EU appeared to be softening its stance on the issue.
EU spokesman Ferran Tarradellas Espuny still insisted that restarting the reactor "would be a violation of the accession act of Slovakia to the European Union," but added the EU was aware of the hardships Slovakia faces, especially during winter.
"We have to take into consideration also the extremely difficult situation of Slovak citizens, Slovak industry, the Slovak economy," Tarradellas said.
"We would like to have as much information as possible on the justification from the Slovak government," he said.
Fico said Tuesday the EU will receive all necessary information in a few days.